Probate/transfer of deeds costs

kathleen37

Hi there,

I very sadly lost my Mum at the end of October. I informed the solicitors, as I was getting a copy of the will. They said "no need to worry" we'll sort everything and since then, I've been asking for estimated costs of their time.

I received it yesterday, and this is what is listed

a) Likely costs
We certify that the following legal costs are likely to be incurred in dealing with your case:

To extract Grant of Probate – Professional fee €2,500 & VAT
General charges in respect of postage, phone and photocopying €75 & VAT
Commissioner’s fees (approx.) €50
Probate Office fees (approx.) €150
Town agent fees (approx.) €150-€200
Transfer of property – Professional Fee €1,000 & VAT
Registration of Assent and Application €130
To take up folio with filed plan on completion €40

2. The amount of value-added tax to be charged in respect of the above amount is 23%.


This is more than my Mum left. I'm a bit gobsmacked to be honest. I guess fees would be around a thousand? No idea why that figure though as we didn't need a solicitor when Dad died as there was only the house and that went to Mum.

I think I can do some of this myself - I've already contacted all the financial institutions - Mum didn't have much money so that leaves changing the portfolio name to myself (Mum left the house to me in the will) There isn't anything else in terms of her estate.

As ever, I appreciate any thoughts.
Thanks

randomrb

TBH that would not be unreasonable fees. If you need to save money you could try and extract the grant yourself if the estate is as straightforward as you say and get he solicitors to simple do the transfer to ensure its all in order.

kathleen37

Thank you, I really had no idea and was just a bit shocked when the letter finally came.

I'll make an appointment to say is there anything that can be done to reduce the costs. I think I should be able to do the transfer of deeds/folio info (fingers crossed!) so that would at least save a bit. I'll see what they say.